He was born in Mart, Texas, Dec. 24, 1921, to Joseph Edward Sansom and Nina Glenn Haydon Sansom. Tom was raised in Mart and graduated from the University of Texas at Austin in 1943, with a bachelor of science degree in electrical engineering. Following graduation, he accepted a position with General Electric Company to work on the installation and repair of radar on U.S. Navy warships during World War II. After the war, he planned, implemented and managed several nationwide service operations.

On Dec. 4, 1943, Tom married the love of his life, Barbara Jean Cline. Tom’s career spanned over 40 years, and took him to many parts of the world. Tom and his family moved 32 times while G.E. was in the forefront of computer technology. He retired in 1983 to Pagosa Springs, and later to Waco, Texas, in 2004.